Hip Replacement vs. Non-Surgical Treatments: Which Is Right for You?

When you’re dealing with hip pain, it’s natural to feel uncertain about the best path forward. You might wonder if you should be doing more physical therapy, trying a new medication, or if it’s finally time to consider surgery. This decision can feel big, but it’s a journey you don’t have to take alone. Understanding your options is the first step toward finding lasting relief.

Dr. Kyle Stoops is an expert provider of advanced orthopedic care who specializes in guiding patients through this very process. He believes that the best treatment plan is one you and your doctor decide on together, based on clear information and your personal goals. If you have questions about what to do for your hip pain, scheduling a simple conversation can provide the clarity you need.

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Let’s gently compare non-surgical treatments an hip replacement surgery, so you can better understand which approach might be right for you.

Understanding Non-Surgical Treatments First

For nearly everyone with hip pain, the journey toward relief begins with non-surgical options. These methods are often called “conservative treatments” because they are less invasive than surgery. The goal is to reduce pain, improve your ability to move, and enhance your quality of life without an operation. It is almost always recommended to try these approaches before thinking about surgery.

Here are some of the most common non-surgical treatments:

Medications

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), are often the first line of defense. They can help reduce the swelling and pain caused by arthritis. If these aren’t effective, your doctor might suggest prescription-strength medications.

• Best For: Mild to moderate pain and inflammation.
• Limitations: Long-term use can have side effects, and these drugs don’t address the underlying joint damage. They manage symptoms but do not stop the progression of arthritis.

It is always recommended to check with your primary care provider prior to taking over the counter pain medications to ensure they are medically safe and will not interact with your prescription medications. 

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can be a wonderful partner in your care. They can design a specific exercise program to strengthen the muscles around your hip, improve flexibility, and support the joint. This can help reduce the strain on the damaged cartilage and may improve your ability to walk and move with less pain.

• Best For: Patients who can actively participate in an exercise program and whose pain is manageable enough to do so.
• Limitations: While it can provide significant relief and improve function, physical therapy cannot repair or regrow damaged cartilage. If you have severe, bone-on-bone arthritis, the relief may be limited or temporary.

Injections

For more targeted relief, your doctor might suggest a cortisone injection. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that is injected directly into the hip joint. It can provide significant, though temporary, relief from pain and inflammation.

• Best For: People experiencing a painful flare-up of arthritis or those who need temporary relief to participate in physical therapy.
• Limitations: The effects of cortisone shots are not permanent. Relief can last for a few weeks to several months, but it will eventually wear off. Doctors also limit the number of injections you can receive in a single joint per year.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference. Using a cane can offload weight from the painful hip, making it easier to walk. Avoiding activities that cause a lot of pain, like high-impact exercise, can also help. For some, losing excess weight can dramatically reduce the stress on the hip joint and ease discomfort.

• Best For: Anyone with hip pain, as these changes can complement any other treatment.
• Limitations: These adjustments help you manage the condition, but they don’t stop the arthritis from getting worse over time. Eventually, you may find that you are limiting your life too much just to avoid pain.

When to Consider Hip Replacement Surgery

So, if you’ve tried these non-surgical treatments and you’re still struggling, what’s next? This is often the point where a conversation about hip replacement surgery becomes appropriate. Surgery is typically recommended when the pain and loss of function are severe and conservative treatments are no longer providing adequate relief.

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure designed to be a definitive solution. It addresses the root cause of the pain: the damaged joint itself. During the surgery, the arthritic ball and socket of the hip are removed and replaced with durable artificial implants.

You might be a candidate for hip replacement if:

• Your hip pain regularly keeps you awake at night.
• You can no longer do simple daily activities, like putting on socks or getting out of a chair, without significant pain.
• You have given up hobbies and social activities you love because of your hip.
• You have tried months of non-surgical treatments without finding lasting relief.

The Benefits of a Modern Hip Replacement

The idea of surgery can feel daunting, but today’s hip replacements are more advanced than ever. The goal is not just to stop the pain but to restore your quality of life. Surgeons like Dr. Stoops use modern implants and techniques designed for better outcomes.

For example, he utilizes advanced implants from Enovis, a company at the forefront of medical device technology. The TaperFill® Hip System is one such innovation, designed from CT-scan data to better match the natural shape of a patient's bone for improved stability. Additionally, Enovis has developed implant components made with Vitamin E-infused plastic. This material is designed to be highly durable and reduce wear, which may help your new hip last for a very long time.

Many patients are also able to have an outpatient hip replacement, meaning they can go home the same day as their surgery to recover in the comfort of their own home. This is possible due to less invasive surgical approaches and better pain management protocols.

Making the Decision That's Right for You

Choosing between continuing with non-surgical treatments and moving forward with a hip replacement is a very personal decision. There is no single right answer for everyone. It comes down to a simple question: Is your hip pain preventing you from living the life you want to live?

If non-surgical options are working for you and allowing you to stay active and happy, that is a wonderful outcome. But if you feel like you've exhausted those options and your world is shrinking because of pain, it may be time to consider a more permanent solution.

The best way to find your answer is to have an open and honest conversation with a specialist who will listen to you.

Find a Plan That Fits Your Life

You don't have to make this choice on your own. A caring and experienced orthopedic surgeon can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your unique situation, your health, and your goals for the future.

Dr. Kyle Stoops is dedicated to helping you understand all your choices, both surgical and non-surgical. He will take the time to listen to your story and help you create a personalized plan to get you back to moving with comfort and confidence. If you are ready to explore your options, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our practice.

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